Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins, once a COVID vaccine skeptic, gets inoculated

Andrew Wiggins, who plays forward for Golden State Warriors, got injected with his COVID-19 vaccine, making himself eligible to play in all games in the tournament. 

The announcement was made by Steve Kerr, the coach for the Californian team on Sunday after the squad wrapped up their practice before departing to Portland to kick off their preseason game.

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The 26-year-old forward for the Golden State Warriors, before taking the COVID-19 vaccine, faced the possibility of being denied entry into the team’s home building at the Chase Center for the games starting October 13, which is the same day when proof of receiving COVID-19 vaccine will be required by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, according to reports from Associated Press.

Wiggins also was at the center of controversy when he said he would not get vaccinated but stick to his beliefs. He said on Monday, “Back is definitely against the wall, but I’m just going to keep fighting for what I believe. I’m going to keep fighting for what I believe is right. What’s right to one person isn’t right to the other and vice versa”, according to reports from Associated Press.

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The NBA said it “reviewed and denied” Wiggins’ request for a religious exemption and that he would not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfilled the vaccine mandate.

Anyone who is above the age of 12 would be included in the vaccine mandate of the state and would be required to produce proof of vaccination to attend indoor events at Chase Center.

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Wiggins declined to explain what those beliefs actually entail, saying, “It’s none of your business, that’s what it comes down to”, according to reports from Associated Press.

He stood to lose more than $350,000 per game, and if he didn’t play in any home games would have surrendered half of his $31.6 million salary.

(With AP inputs)